#knowing nieyao they would even joke about it later on

[mostlikelytofangirl]

Reincarnation Concept #3: LXC, who is aware of his reincarnation and his past life, listening to his bfs (JGY and NMJ) independently tell him they've been having nightmares about the other one trying to kill them. :)

OMG THE FEELS!

Ok ok, listen. First thing that pops into my mind is this scene of LXC preparing breakfast (bc he's always the first one to wake up), and then JGY comes and LXC can instantly tell that something's off with him. It only gets confirmed when JGY asks him if he can talk to him real quick before da-ge wakes up, and that's when he tells LXC that he has been having these horrible dreams of NMJ's hands around his neck, squeezing so hard JGY feels like choking or his neck snapping...

But that's so silly, right? They all have been so happy recently, so he doesn't understand what is wrong with him. He tries to laugh it off as some subconscious response to stress or something, maybe that one time he chipped NMJ's favorite mug while doing the dishes, or the time NMJ got late to work bc he couldn't find that one sweater that JGY was monopolizing. They argue from time to time, but it isn't out of the ordinary. In fact, bantering and bickering is their thing. All fun and in good faith... but maybe his brain is exaggerating it? Trying to tell him that they should stop?

While JGY is doing all that little instrospection monologue, LXC is going through all stages of grief and them some. Bc he knows what is happening and now he's freaking TERRIFIED of their A-Yao recovering his memories and hating them. He feels awfully conflicted bc he CAN'T have A-Yao remembering, but on the other hand it's clear how upset and sad A-Yao is by having these thoughts about their other bf who they both love. So, he tries to buy himself some time telling him that it probably is just stress, A-Yao works so hard, after all.

It does work. But when NMJ comes to him later on, looking just as off as JGY, LXC braces for the worst. And the worst does come when distressed NMJ tells him of these dreams he has of JGY playing an instrument that is causing NMJ incredible pain and he has no idea what it could mean. He knows he's not the most observant person, but maybe his subconscious is picking up on something he isn't? LXC would know if JGY was mad at him, right? Or has NMJ really done something to anger their little bf, and ofc JGY is not telling him. But he seems so natural, everything has been so good between them, he doesn't understand why he would be having those nightmares about someone he loves.

At that point, LXC makes a decision. It was his inaction what ruined them in their past lives; hiding things from each other and assuming things instead of being honest led them to those horrible deaths. So, he's gonna come clean to them: better they finding out before the full memories come back so they can still cling to the love they share in the present.

He sits them down and both JGY and NMJ are fidgety and nervous and forcing smiles, both thinking that LXC is going to call them out for their nonsense in front of the other; "how is it possible that you think like that of our dear da-ge/A-Yao? He would never do that" or something of the sort.

But LXC is uncharacteristically serious and somber, like he's about to tell them their pet died. He holds their hands and tells them. He tells them everything, from how they all met to how it all ended, and how he recovered his memories some time ago, but thought it wasn't worth it risking their happiness bc of something that didn't matter anymore. Except it does, bc they are remembering now and LXC can do nothing to stop them, except hope that they can remember too that they love each other now. Again.

It's... a lot. Incredibly unbelievable too, but a part of them knows LXC is right. They can feel it. And they look at each other and it's all a huge mess of emotions, knowing those nightmares are true... but also their lazy sunday mornings laying in bed until lunch time, their movie evenings cuddling on the couch and wasting more time deciding on a movie than actually watching it, their sweet and passionate nights showering each other in kisses and words of love and devotion.

They love each other truly and deeply now, but after knowing the truth, they can't help the hint of resentment and hatred like an aftertaste at the back of their mouths. It hurts and they don't know what to make of it. Would they stop loving each other completely if their memories come back? Once they come back. They are scared, they don't want that! They are frustrated and angry, and LXC can only hold them, on the verge of breaking down at the dejá vù of being unable to do a thing for those he loves. They know every promise they make would be useless.

But NMJ and JGY still look at each other, as safe as they can be in LXC's arms, and they hold each other's hand. Whatever will happen, at least this time they will face it together. No more secrets.

[prewar-james]

3zun Month, Nieyao Week: Pre-Arranged Relationship and Birthday, rated G, 1k

(read on AO3)

"Happy birthday, Mingjue!!" The little group toasts and down their drinks. 

Mingjue follows them and, though he isn't much of a fan of alcohol, he can admit he's having fun. The bar Mingjue's friends decided to take him to for his birthday is far enough from their college campus that it's not considered a student bar, so the crowd is a little more diverse than what they're used to. Mingjue thinks it’s a little silly that they decided to take him out to a bar like it's the first time he's going out or something, which it isn't, but oh well. Still, it's nice to spend time with them outside of classes or basketball practice, since it's not often he has the time, what with work and Huaisang and all. It helps that they're paying for him, too.

He is listening to Zhang Ming, one of the guys from his team, rambling about something, types of beer maybe? He's clearly a little tipsy already, when from behind him Mingjue hears someone call his name.

"Mingjue!"

Being the closest to the counter, and with the music playing so loud, Mingjue is the only one who seems to have noticed a bartender calling and waving him over. Telling the others he's going to get more drinks, he walks over to the bar.

As he approaches, trying to identify who called him, the light gets a little better and Mingjue gets to have a proper look, feeling a bit struck by lightning as he takes in the sight.

The bartender is short, maybe coming up to Mingjue’s shoulder at most, and strikingly beautiful, with big eyes and lashes for days. He looks young, too, younger than Mingjue at least, and he seems slightly put off by something, but his smile, though a little strained, stays in place.

Mingjue smiles back at him, hoping it conveys his confusion, which only increases when the bartender takes his hand over the counter and laces their fingers.

"This man wanted to meet my boyfriend," the bartender says and points with his free hand to a guy Mingjue hadn't even noticed standing by his side.

Thankfully, it only takes a second for Mingjue to understand what's going on. He straightens up to his full height and turns to the guy with a look he hopes is intimidating enough.

"That's me. What do you want?"

The guy takes a tiny step back, but rolls his eyes and scoffs. "I don't buy it."

Mingjue feels the hold on his hand tighten with apprehension and tries to reassure the bartender by squeezing back lightly.

"It doesn't matter if you don't buy it, what matters is that you should fucking stop bothering my boyfriend. Piss off."

The guy huffs, but finally turns and stomps away.

As soon as he's out of sight, the bartender breathes out and lets Mingjue's hand go, and he is surprised to find himself missing the warmth.

"Oh my god, thank you, I'm so sorry I-"

"It's okay! It's okay," Mingjue reassures him. "I'm glad I could help. Are you alright?"

"Yes, I..." he fiddles with his clothes, still clearly shaken by whatever that was. "I'm used to it."

Mingjue frowns, but tries to lighten the mood with a joke. "Are you also used to grabbing random guys’ hands and declaring them your boyfriends?" 

It clearly backfires, as the guy gets an even more panicked look on his face. "Holy shit, that was so rude of me! I'm really sorry-"

"I'm joking! I'm joking, sorry, it's really okay, I didn't mind. It was fun!"

The guy lets out a relieved sigh. "Well, then... Let me thank you properly. The next round is on the house."

"No need," Mingjue tries to tell him, but he already starts pouring the shots, shaking his head dismissively. 

As he waits, Mingjue tries and fails to not get too distracted by the hands expertly moving in front of him. He leans his forearms on the counter, not wanting to come on too strong but unwilling to waste the chance to talk more with the cutest guy he’s seen all night.

"I'd introduce myself, but you already know my name, right?"

The corner of the bartender's mouth quirks up. "Your friends aren't exactly a quiet group," he explains. "Happy birthday, by the way."

"Thank you..."

"Meng Yao."

"Meng Yao..." the name rolls off Mingjue's tongue smoothly. "You have a beautiful name. It fits you."

Meng Yao deliberately slows down his movements but doesn't look up from the glasses, but Mingjue can see his shy smile. Internally, he does a little celebratory dance while trying to come up with something else to say. Before the silence turns awkward, Meng Yao speaks up.

"Actually... Can I ask for another favor?" He still doesn't look him in the eyes as he asks. Mingjue nods, smiling curiously. "Can you walk me out? My shift will be over soon and that guy might be waiting outside."

Meng Yao looks up from under his lashes, and Mingjue feels the moment his irrational heart decides he will never deny this man anything.

"Of course."

Meng Yao gives him a relieved smile. "Thank you, really. I'll call for you when I'm leaving, okay?"

Mingjue agrees and excuses himself to get the drinks back to his table, and only gets slightly more razing from the guys than he expected.

"Da-gege~~!” Li hua exclaims playfully as the full tray is set on the table. “Did you sweet talk that pretty bartender into giving you free drinks?!"

"No," Mingjue responds with a smug smile. "He offered."

The resulting chorus of whistles and impressed laughs and "Get it, da-ge!" resounds around the room.

"Will you calm down, oh my god," Mingjue laughs with them.

When Meng Yao catches his eyes again some time later, Mingjue slips away from the table quietly, not wanting to draw any more attention to himself.

"Are you ready to go?"

Meng Yao grabs his bag from under the counter and dimples at him, making Mingjue's heart skip a beat. "Yes, thanks again."

"You know, you could stick around? We could talk a bit more, I'd introduce you to the rest of the guys..." Mingjue says, hopeful.

Meng Yao gives him an apologetic smile as they start walking to the door. It feels genuine, even if Mingjue doesn't know him enough to tell for sure.

"I want to, but I can't, I really need to go home."

"Let me give you my number, then." He must sound a little desperate, he knows, but he can't help it. "... In case you need an emergency boyfriend again," Mingjue finishes lamely as they step outside.

Mingjue releases a breath he didn't know he was holding when Meng Yao laughs and nods at his request, blushing lightly. As they walk the small distance to his car, Meng Yao fishes his phone out of his bag and hands it to Mingjue, who saves his contact as "Nie Mingjue (emergency bf)" and gives it back. It gives Mingjue a funny feeling, seeing Meng Yao giggle when he sees it.

"You know, I might take you up on that."

"I wouldn't offer if I didn't plan on coming through." Mingjue dimples right back at him. 

Meng Yao looks at his face, considering, then takes a step closer. "What if I needed an emergency boyfriend right now?" he asks, voice lowered. "That guy might still be watching, we have to make it look real."

They both know the guy is definitely not seeing them, but it doesn't stop Mingjue from placing one hand on the side of Meng Yao's face and tilting it up slightly, enjoying the way his gaze goes from his eyes to his mouth a few times.

"Do you think a kiss would convince him?"

Meng Yao nods and his eyes flutter shut as Mingjue leans down to seal their lips. It's a chaste, exploring kiss, and it tastes like the beginning of something. Mingjue doesn't stop himself from stroking a thumb over Meng Yao's cheek, lingering where he knows a dimple appears when he feels Meng Yao smiling into the kiss.

They part not long after, with mirrored dazed grins, unwilling to let go of each other.

"I really have to go," Meng Yao sighs and Mingjue takes his hands away, clenching them at his sides to keep from reaching out again.

Meng Yao gets in the car and closes the door, but before leaving he lowers the window and calls out of it. "Thanks again for... everything." He starts the car. "I'll call you!" and takes off.

The sky is beautiful, Mingjue notices as he grins stupidly at it, another part of a wonderful birthday.

[deliciousscaloppine]

I mean, since you did ask! How can I resist when your writing is so good? What about I "Broken Glass" and mingyao (is that the right name?? Nie Mingjue/Meng Yao is what I'm trying to say)? Please and thank you! - theuntamednarrator

I. Broken Glass (i am in no way an expert but i think it’s nieyao)

It was an unexpected victory if he were to be honest with himself. He hadn’t called for help, but the warriors of the Chang came anyway.

“We caught a spy in our territory, he told us the Wen had planned to ambush you. So we rode out here to make it a fair fight.” their Clan Leader says smiling as they embrace.

He has not words enough to give him thanks. But he has ample wine, so a feast is immediately organized once they arrive at Unclean Realm. Nie Mingjue still thinks how if he had lost, his life would have certainly been forfeit. He could have almost died, he says himself, once at the familiar comfort of his ancenstral fortress. For the first time he feels like smiling at a guest.

They drink and toast well into the night. Meng Yao is there as well, making polite talk and treating all of their guests. He feels especially thankful for these things today. He wouldn’t want to seem rude or too preoccupied with his own importance after these people saved his life. But these pleasantries are utterly foreign to him. 

Huaisang comes much later, joking and making verses on the spot to amuse the younger guests. The Chang very soon feel like they are among friends. They are valiant and noble warriors, he thinks. He must one day make sure to return the favor to them. 

Then suddenly somewhere a glass breaks, someone probably got too drunk, or was careless in some other way. He sees Meng Yao hurry to it at once, gathering the broken pieces in a towel, soothing the addled guest with smiles and kind talk, then exiting the hall.

He notices that he doesn’t return. He doesn’t return for a long while, and some bad thought crosses his mind, even though everything is merry. As he exits the hall, he finds him immediately sitting at some dark corner, staring vacantly and clutching his hand.

It’s bleeding. Meng Yao seems to notice him only when he has already taken his hand to examine it.

“Ah, it’s really nothing“ he says smiling.

Author’s note: This is way in the background but the scene at the feast reminded Meng Yao of his days of service at the brothel and he was so overwhelmed that he purposefully cut himself with the glass. But Nie Mingjue will never know.